Babies, Car Seats, Strollers and Europe
Mar 9th, 2008, 11:14 PM
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Babies, Car Seats, Strollers and Europe
Hi all! I'm planning my family's next european trip for April '09 (to Italy and possibly London) and since my husband and I will have a 9 mos. old at that time (I'm pregnant now), I have three questions for parents who've recently traveled to Europe with the current EU baggage limits:
1. When purchasing your baby his/her own seat on the plane, does the car seat itself count as your singular carry-on item? On top of that, if you also bring a stroller, does THAT count as carry-on as well?
2. When you bring a stroller, can you check it at the gate (like in the U.S.) and will they bring it back up when you deplane? Or will they automatically check it through to baggage claim?
3. IF (that's a big 'if') I do not bring a car seat, is it legal to ride in a taxi in european countries with an unrestrained child?
My husband and I traveled extremely light when we went to Europe on our honeymoon - thanks to the Fodorites! - and I am a firm believer in carry-on only. But with a baby in tow, I wonder if it will still be doable, considering a car seat and stroller. Don't get me wrong, I will not compromise my child's safety by not bringing a car seat just so I can avoid checking in a suitcase.
But I am curious to know if these items are counted toward one's carry-on tally. Thanks so much for your help!
1. When purchasing your baby his/her own seat on the plane, does the car seat itself count as your singular carry-on item? On top of that, if you also bring a stroller, does THAT count as carry-on as well?
2. When you bring a stroller, can you check it at the gate (like in the U.S.) and will they bring it back up when you deplane? Or will they automatically check it through to baggage claim?
3. IF (that's a big 'if') I do not bring a car seat, is it legal to ride in a taxi in european countries with an unrestrained child?
My husband and I traveled extremely light when we went to Europe on our honeymoon - thanks to the Fodorites! - and I am a firm believer in carry-on only. But with a baby in tow, I wonder if it will still be doable, considering a car seat and stroller. Don't get me wrong, I will not compromise my child's safety by not bringing a car seat just so I can avoid checking in a suitcase.
But I am curious to know if these items are counted toward one's carry-on tally. Thanks so much for your help!
Mar 9th, 2008, 11:42 PM
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First of all, many airlines do not allow you to bring on a car seat, so you have to be sure you book with one that does, if that is important to you. Some airlines do not even allow you to purchase a separate seat for the baby. This is particularly true for European airlines.
In respect to whether the car seat will be counted as your carry-on, provided you book with an airline that allows you to bring a car seat on board, it's probably best to check with the airline.
Similarly with the stroller - it's best to check the individual airline policy.
Personally, given the hassle, I'd skip the carseat on the plane, and avoid taking taxis. If you are packing light, and you are all in good health, this will be easy enough. Alternatively, you could book a car service that included the user of an EU-approved carseat.
Disclaimer - my kids are well past the carseat age.
In respect to whether the car seat will be counted as your carry-on, provided you book with an airline that allows you to bring a car seat on board, it's probably best to check with the airline.
Similarly with the stroller - it's best to check the individual airline policy.
Personally, given the hassle, I'd skip the carseat on the plane, and avoid taking taxis. If you are packing light, and you are all in good health, this will be easy enough. Alternatively, you could book a car service that included the user of an EU-approved carseat.
Disclaimer - my kids are well past the carseat age.
Mar 10th, 2008, 12:50 AM
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I'm going to throw out a radical idea - one that is sure to be unpopular.
But - why don't you try to make arrangements so that you and your husband can go along???? Do you have parents or siblings that would be willing to take care of the baby for a week or so?
The baby is not going to get anything out of this trip and will limit your ability to do things.
My DH and I went away for about a week when our oldest was 5 months old (left him with parents and close friends) and it was one of the best things ever did. With child #2, we weren't able to get away until he was almost 1 - but it was still worth it.
Just a thought......
But - why don't you try to make arrangements so that you and your husband can go along???? Do you have parents or siblings that would be willing to take care of the baby for a week or so?
The baby is not going to get anything out of this trip and will limit your ability to do things.
My DH and I went away for about a week when our oldest was 5 months old (left him with parents and close friends) and it was one of the best things ever did. With child #2, we weren't able to get away until he was almost 1 - but it was still worth it.
Just a thought......
Mar 10th, 2008, 01:01 AM
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OK - ignoring the above suggestion and moving swiftly along. ....I have a 5 month old and have taken a good few flights in Europe with her over the last months.....
In my experience (though you will have to check with the airline) you can bring a car seat....many of the airlines don't want you to bring it into the cabin, but what I do is check the plane is not full - get three seats together and then lug it on. If the plane is full then it can go in the hold. I don't check it in as it forms part of my stroller and I need the stroller to get to the gate. - Normally the stroller is taken from me at the gate and put out for me at the door of the plane on landing. The car seat has not to date formed part of my luggage allowance. The same for a stroller.
I would not travel in a taxi with my baby without a car seat. It certainly is not legal in any of the countries I have been to to travel with an unrestrained child in a car. You can travel with an unrestrained child on buses and trains.
It is best as the first poster stated to check with the airline in question as the rules vary. However, regarding the carseat - bring it anyway.
In my experience (though you will have to check with the airline) you can bring a car seat....many of the airlines don't want you to bring it into the cabin, but what I do is check the plane is not full - get three seats together and then lug it on. If the plane is full then it can go in the hold. I don't check it in as it forms part of my stroller and I need the stroller to get to the gate. - Normally the stroller is taken from me at the gate and put out for me at the door of the plane on landing. The car seat has not to date formed part of my luggage allowance. The same for a stroller.
I would not travel in a taxi with my baby without a car seat. It certainly is not legal in any of the countries I have been to to travel with an unrestrained child in a car. You can travel with an unrestrained child on buses and trains.
It is best as the first poster stated to check with the airline in question as the rules vary. However, regarding the carseat - bring it anyway.
Mar 10th, 2008, 01:48 AM
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Congratulations on your pregnancy! That is always so exciting.
Here are my answers to your questions
1. Car seats and strollers don't count as luggage, checked or carried on.
2. They will check a stroller at the gate just like in the U.S. It will probably be folded up and on the tarmac when you walk down the stairs off of your plane.
3. I believe that Europe has similar car seat rules as the U.S. That being said -- I have held my child on my lap and hated every minute of it! We did it once on a shuttle from CDG to our apt and the driver wasn't happy. We did it another time in Rome but for a much shorter trip and the taxi driver didn't care.
Here are my answers to questions you didn't ask (aren't I helpful!)
Get a baby bjorn or similar backpack. Use it a lot before you go so you're comfortable wearing it and so your baby gets used to sleeping in it. The best way to get around London is the tube and it is not stroller friendly. Many of the streets in Rome are cobblestone or something like it and are also not great with strollers. If your child is only 9 months you probably won't be into umbrella strollers yet and those are the best for Europe, in my opinion. A backpack also seems like a great way to do things like museums.
Don't try to do too much. Our first trip to Europe with our son, who was 11 mos at the time, was just to Paris for a week. It was perfect. I'm really glad to we didn't try to shuffle him around too much. On the other hand -- only YOU know what is too much. If you do try to pack it all in and see everything what's the worst that can happen? You'll come home exhausted? How will that be any different than any other day as the mother of a 9 month old!
Think about renting an apt rather than hotel rooms. I hate hotels with babies. I don't like the idea of them crawling on the carpet! I prefer apts because there is a fridge to keep milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit etc cold. There is a sink w/ soap to wash out bottles or utensils. There is usually a living space and a sleeping space so you and hubby can stay up later than your baby. Most rental agencies can find a pack'n'play for you to use.
Lastly, always carry crackers, bread or something similar. Even a cranky baby can be soothed by feeding pigeons!
This board is a font of information (do's and don'ts) for traveling with babies. If you have any more questions that I can answer, just post back. Have fun! Traveling with a child is so different than by yourself, but I love it!
Here are my answers to your questions
1. Car seats and strollers don't count as luggage, checked or carried on.
2. They will check a stroller at the gate just like in the U.S. It will probably be folded up and on the tarmac when you walk down the stairs off of your plane.
3. I believe that Europe has similar car seat rules as the U.S. That being said -- I have held my child on my lap and hated every minute of it! We did it once on a shuttle from CDG to our apt and the driver wasn't happy. We did it another time in Rome but for a much shorter trip and the taxi driver didn't care.
Here are my answers to questions you didn't ask (aren't I helpful!)
Get a baby bjorn or similar backpack. Use it a lot before you go so you're comfortable wearing it and so your baby gets used to sleeping in it. The best way to get around London is the tube and it is not stroller friendly. Many of the streets in Rome are cobblestone or something like it and are also not great with strollers. If your child is only 9 months you probably won't be into umbrella strollers yet and those are the best for Europe, in my opinion. A backpack also seems like a great way to do things like museums.
Don't try to do too much. Our first trip to Europe with our son, who was 11 mos at the time, was just to Paris for a week. It was perfect. I'm really glad to we didn't try to shuffle him around too much. On the other hand -- only YOU know what is too much. If you do try to pack it all in and see everything what's the worst that can happen? You'll come home exhausted? How will that be any different than any other day as the mother of a 9 month old!
Think about renting an apt rather than hotel rooms. I hate hotels with babies. I don't like the idea of them crawling on the carpet! I prefer apts because there is a fridge to keep milk, yogurt, cheese, fruit etc cold. There is a sink w/ soap to wash out bottles or utensils. There is usually a living space and a sleeping space so you and hubby can stay up later than your baby. Most rental agencies can find a pack'n'play for you to use.
Lastly, always carry crackers, bread or something similar. Even a cranky baby can be soothed by feeding pigeons!
This board is a font of information (do's and don'ts) for traveling with babies. If you have any more questions that I can answer, just post back. Have fun! Traveling with a child is so different than by yourself, but I love it!
Mar 10th, 2008, 02:36 AM
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Being Lawchick, I just checked the law on infant carseats in Taxis. An EU directive lays down minimum standards reharding seatbelts and car seats - member states can however lay down more stringent requirements. The Directive does not mandate the use of car seats in Taxis for children under 3. However you would have to check the law of the countries you intend to go to to see if they have introduced heavier requirements. The UK and Ireland have not introduced the use of carseats in taxis for under 3's. I can't find the relevant law in Italy. (surprise surprise)
However......having been a passenger in an Italian taxi many times, I would not take my baby without a car seat! In fact, I won't take my baby anywhere in a taxi without a car seat - it has never even occurred to me to do it.
However......having been a passenger in an Italian taxi many times, I would not take my baby without a car seat! In fact, I won't take my baby anywhere in a taxi without a car seat - it has never even occurred to me to do it.
Mar 10th, 2008, 02:43 AM
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"OK - ignoring the above suggestion and moving swiftly along"
Geez Lawchick....it was only a suggestion!!!
My kids are now teenagers and we LOVE traveling with them. But I also LOVED having the "couple" time with my DH when the kids were little.
Geez Lawchick....it was only a suggestion!!!
My kids are now teenagers and we LOVE traveling with them. But I also LOVED having the "couple" time with my DH when the kids were little.
Mar 10th, 2008, 10:17 AM
#9
I wonder how some of us survived before car seats were invented. (Actually, I had an uncle who went through the windshield in a car accident when he was a baby.)
Just don't forget that the car seat must be approved for use in the EU. Otherwise, no insurance will cover you if anything happens.
Just don't forget that the car seat must be approved for use in the EU. Otherwise, no insurance will cover you if anything happens.
Mar 10th, 2008, 10:25 AM
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I seem to recall that most US carseats do not have EU certification, which also has something to do with them not being allowed on EU planes.
Statistically, carseats for children have been a very effective public health move.
Statistically, carseats for children have been a very effective public health move.
Mar 15th, 2008, 04:26 PM
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Congratulations on your pregnancy. I traveled with a 9 month old to Rome last fall and had a wonderful time. You can search under my name for "Rome and a Baby" post that has some tips on traveling with a baby in Rome.
We traveled on Air Iberia which allows carseats. As the others have suggested, you should check with the airline because your child will be too small to sit in a seat without a carseat so you won't want to buy a seat for him/her unless you can use the carseat.
I don't think the carseat or stroller counts as luggage. I would definitely recommend buying the baby (I'll just call it "her"
her own seat and using a carseat. Our daughter fell asleep immediately in her familiar comfortable carseat on the overnight flight to Europe and slept the whole way. Coming home she slept for a few hours too. I didn't buy it for our last trip but I am definitely buying this http://www.amazon.com/GoGo-Babyz-Tra.../dp/B000J47N4S for our next trip since the carseat is heavy to drag around the airport. You also get the baggage allowance for your baby's seat so that is helpful.
You can get check your stroller and they bring it to you when you land. iF you have connections, I would leave yourself enough time because at one point we waited around a while for our stroller to appear.
Once we got to Rome I never used the carseat again. I think I used it on the way to/from the airport and that was it. We took a few taxis within the city but never very far. I just held my daughter on my lap and put the seatbelt over both of us. If we had the baby bjorn with us I put her in it and then the seatbelt. I can't imagine dragging a carseat around with me while I was in the city just to take a cab. Unless your baby is very small and can fit into the infant carseat still at 9mos, the carseat you will be using is quite heavy (15lbs?) and bulky and I doubt you'd want to carry it around with you. If you are not comfortable putting the baby on your lap (I'm not saying it is the safest idea), I would just avoid taking a cab.
I'd definitely get a light umbrella stroller for the trip. Unless you are going out to the country somewhere, restaurants in the city can be small and cramped and you will want a stroller that folds up compactly or you will find it very awkward. I recommend the Maclaren umbrella strollers because they are good quality but also light and compact. Ours was fine over all the cobblestones and bumpy streets.
I also second the suggestion for an apartment. it is nice to have the extra space, kitchen and not worry that the person in the next room can hear the baby crying.
You'll have a great time on your trip. Don't let anyone scare you off from going with the baby.
We traveled on Air Iberia which allows carseats. As the others have suggested, you should check with the airline because your child will be too small to sit in a seat without a carseat so you won't want to buy a seat for him/her unless you can use the carseat.
I don't think the carseat or stroller counts as luggage. I would definitely recommend buying the baby (I'll just call it "her"
her own seat and using a carseat. Our daughter fell asleep immediately in her familiar comfortable carseat on the overnight flight to Europe and slept the whole way. Coming home she slept for a few hours too. I didn't buy it for our last trip but I am definitely buying this http://www.amazon.com/GoGo-Babyz-Tra.../dp/B000J47N4S for our next trip since the carseat is heavy to drag around the airport. You also get the baggage allowance for your baby's seat so that is helpful.You can get check your stroller and they bring it to you when you land. iF you have connections, I would leave yourself enough time because at one point we waited around a while for our stroller to appear.
Once we got to Rome I never used the carseat again. I think I used it on the way to/from the airport and that was it. We took a few taxis within the city but never very far. I just held my daughter on my lap and put the seatbelt over both of us. If we had the baby bjorn with us I put her in it and then the seatbelt. I can't imagine dragging a carseat around with me while I was in the city just to take a cab. Unless your baby is very small and can fit into the infant carseat still at 9mos, the carseat you will be using is quite heavy (15lbs?) and bulky and I doubt you'd want to carry it around with you. If you are not comfortable putting the baby on your lap (I'm not saying it is the safest idea), I would just avoid taking a cab.
I'd definitely get a light umbrella stroller for the trip. Unless you are going out to the country somewhere, restaurants in the city can be small and cramped and you will want a stroller that folds up compactly or you will find it very awkward. I recommend the Maclaren umbrella strollers because they are good quality but also light and compact. Ours was fine over all the cobblestones and bumpy streets.
I also second the suggestion for an apartment. it is nice to have the extra space, kitchen and not worry that the person in the next room can hear the baby crying.
You'll have a great time on your trip. Don't let anyone scare you off from going with the baby.
Mar 25th, 2008, 11:14 AM
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As other posteres commented, carseats and pushchairs are not counted as your carryon luggage. Having said that,
* you can do gate-check for a pushchair, but there is no guarantee it's waiting for you when you de-plane. Very often, you'll end up picking it up at the luggage carrousel.
* as others said, check with the airlines as to whether you can use a carseat during the flight. In most cases, you'll be most likely to be asked to hold him/her during take-off/landing. They'll usually provide a separate strap-on baby seatbelt that woudl attach to yours.
* we have no problem taking taxis with no carseats. I usually hold my young ones. Not sure if you NEED to bring a car seat, especially if you are not going to rent a car in Europe.
* being pregnant and trying to carry a 9mo old in Baby Bjorn would NOT work. Yes, we do have cobblestones but we have no problem using pushchairs here!
* you can do gate-check for a pushchair, but there is no guarantee it's waiting for you when you de-plane. Very often, you'll end up picking it up at the luggage carrousel.
* as others said, check with the airlines as to whether you can use a carseat during the flight. In most cases, you'll be most likely to be asked to hold him/her during take-off/landing. They'll usually provide a separate strap-on baby seatbelt that woudl attach to yours.
* we have no problem taking taxis with no carseats. I usually hold my young ones. Not sure if you NEED to bring a car seat, especially if you are not going to rent a car in Europe.
* being pregnant and trying to carry a 9mo old in Baby Bjorn would NOT work. Yes, we do have cobblestones but we have no problem using pushchairs here!
Mar 25th, 2008, 12:22 PM
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We lived in England when my daughter was born and we made several trips back to the US when she was still an infant on British Airways - they have travel cots which go in the bulkhead and are like a little crib - perfect for sleeping. A quick search on their website shows they offer a carseat now as well:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel...ext=travel+cot - and then select Traveling with Infants
What inflight amenities do you provide for my baby?
British Airways is the first airline to offer a specifically designed seat for infants/babies. Designed by Britax, the seat is ideal from 6 months to 2 years, but could also be used from birth. The seat can be used in a variety of positions from horizontal to vertical.These seats are only for bulkhead seats with the drop down shelf and cannot be placed in a standard seat.
The maximum allowed weight of the child in Britax seats is 13kgs/29lbs.
Britax infant seats and carrycots are not pre-bookable, they are allocated on a first come first served basis at the airport or onboard the aircraft.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel...ext=travel+cot - and then select Traveling with Infants
What inflight amenities do you provide for my baby?
British Airways is the first airline to offer a specifically designed seat for infants/babies. Designed by Britax, the seat is ideal from 6 months to 2 years, but could also be used from birth. The seat can be used in a variety of positions from horizontal to vertical.These seats are only for bulkhead seats with the drop down shelf and cannot be placed in a standard seat.
The maximum allowed weight of the child in Britax seats is 13kgs/29lbs.
Britax infant seats and carrycots are not pre-bookable, they are allocated on a first come first served basis at the airport or onboard the aircraft.
Mar 25th, 2008, 12:43 PM
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there is a lot of misinformation on this thread so i suggest that you check with your airline, national laws and your insurance company(s).
i'm not going to bother to try to correct anything as i don't want to risk misinforming you any more on these important questions.
i'm not going to bother to try to correct anything as i don't want to risk misinforming you any more on these important questions.
